Though few people admire them, the Asian tiger mosquito certainly is a tenacious species that is designed to survive. Many years ago, a number of these insects made the ocean crossing in a shipping container of tires. Now, they have adapted to thrive in Langhorne.
Asian tiger mosquitoes have done so well here that they have come to be counted among the most complicated pest species to control. The usual bug sprays that are found in home improvement centers seem to have little to no effect on them. This means that they have abundant opportunities to reproduce and increase their numbers.
That is bad news for property owners across the region who are looking for ways to keep their families, employees and customers more comfortable when they are on site. Worse than that, Asian tiger mosquitoes are vectors for several illnesses. Accordingly, they may make people sick with their bites, and some of those diseases are potentially life threatening.
Does the fact that Asian tiger mosquitoes are resistant to ordinary pest control treatments mean that they simply cannot be controlled? Fortunately, this is not the case.
The best remedy is to hire a licensed pest control company to deal with the problem. Trained, helpful technicians visit properties that may be dealing with a broad range of pest issues. After identifying the problem species, a treatment plan is proposed. Following this plan is a guaranteed path to leading a pest-free lifestyle that rids the property of Asian tiger mosquitoes.
ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES
LOOK LIKE
With a black body that is adorned with white stripes, the source of this pest's name is obvious. It also has a white stripe that runs straight down the head and back. Full-grown adults are approximately one-quarter of an inch long. Both males and females have six legs and one pair of antenna, but the male's antenna are fuller than the female's to aid with finding a breeding partner.
WHERE DO
ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES
LIVE?
This species needs few requirements to ensure survival. In fact, they are not native pests in Langhorne, but they certainly have made themselves at home.
WHAT DO
ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES
EAT?
People frequently assume that mosquitoes live on blood, but this is not the case. Nectar and juice are the staple foods of this pest's diet. Males do not feed on blood at all, and females only do so as a means for laying eggs. Of course, this is of little comfort to the people who suffer itchy mosquito bites.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES
Although their bites are itchy and they may spread illness, Asian tiger mosquitoes are not known to be responsible for property damage.
ARE ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITOES AGGRESSIVE?
When a female is preparing to lay eggs, she may bite the same victim several times in an attempt to gain a sufficient blood meal. She may have plenty of competition with other females in the area, some of which may be her young. With the potential for hundreds, or even thousands, of female mosquitoes to be living on a single piece of property, it is possible for Asian tiger mosquitoes to seem like an incredibly aggressive species.
DO ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITIOES CARRY DISEASE?
Some of the diseases that are associated with the Asian tiger mosquito have made it to the news in recent years. One of these is West Nile virus. It is possible to be infected with this virus and not experience any symptoms. However, some people suffer symptoms that are impossible to ignore. These may include rash, aches, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. If West Nile virus is not appropriately diagnosed and treated, the patient may suffer permanent damage to the central nervous system.
Additionally, people may be in danger of acquiring Zika virus whenever Asian tiger mosquitoes are in the area. This virus causes fever, rash, painful joints and redness in the eyes. Some patients reach critical status if they do not receive timely medical care.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, also is spread by the Asian tiger mosquito. Even with appropriate treatment, some infected patients suffer from neurologic problems for the rest of their lives. With about 30 percent of patients dying from EEE, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
HOW TO DETECT MOSQUITOES
Signs of an Asian Tiger Mosquito issue include:
• Visual sightings of black and white striped insects • Egg sacs spotted in large and small bodies of water • People report being bitten by mosquitoes more than used to be the case
HOW TO PREVENT MOSQUITOES
To help prevent mosquito problems the following steps should be taken:
• Put out pet water bowls only when needed • Regularly change the water in wading pools, bird baths and other still-water features • Ensure that the water in fountains and ponds is agitated by pumps • Add fill dirt to the lowest points on the property where water collects • Eliminate standing water • Remove clutter from outdoor areas • Trim lawns to a shorter height • Keep foliage in check • Clear debris out of gutters and downspouts
HOW TO TREAT FOR MOSQUITOES
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we know that mosquitoes are much more than a mere nuisance and represent a potential health risk to you and your family. That is why we provide a thorough inspection, and then utilize only the finest professional-grade products combined with the most effective treatment methods.
To achieve the best results possible, Newtown uses a comprehensive system based on both treatment and prevention when providing mosquito control for your home or business.
CONSULTATION
We first consult with our clients in order to get initial information, including general locations where mosquito activity is the heaviest or most frequently experienced.
INSPECTION
We then conduct an exterior inspection of the structure and immediate grounds for conditions that are known to be conducive for attracting/harboring mosquitoes as well as enabling them to breed.
TREATMENT
Our certified technician will then administer the appropriate treatment which will encompass a 100-foot radius around the exterior of the structure, while also focusing extra attention on resting areas and breeding grounds, including:
• Shaded areas • Sheltered areas • High-moisture areas • Bushes/hedges • Decks • Patios • Overhead foliage
